About the SPORTAVIA-PUTZER FOURNIER R.F.4.D
The Sportavia-Pützer Fournier RF-4D is an aviation marvel that captures the essence of motor gliding and efficient touring. The aircraft, a single-seat motor glider, emanated from the collaborative efforts of René Fournier, a French aircraft designer, and the German company Sportavia-Pützer. This unique craft forged a niche in the world of general aviation as a reliable, economical, and elegantly designed machine tailored for the motor-gliding enthusiast. Its first flight dates back to 1966 and it exemplifies the blend of German engineering precision and French innovation in aircraft design. Production of the RF-4D continued through the late 1960s and early 1970s, with around 225 units constructed in total, indicating both its popularity and niche appeal under the general aviation segment.
The RF-4D was motivated by Fournier's vision to create an aircraft that combined the qualities of a touring glider with the capabilities of a powered aircraft. This unique blend allowed for extended gliding performance coupled with the assurance of an engine to escape from unfavorable gliding conditions. With its sleek, low-wing design, the RF-4D is built with simplicity and efficiency in mind. A notable characteristic is its wooden structure and fabric covering, which contribute to its light weight and superior aerodynamics. Powered typically by a 39-45 hp Rectimo engine, the aircraft maintains an impressive balance between performance and fuel economy.
Key Features and Capabilities
Pilots appreciate the RF-4D for its excellent handling characteristics, particularly in thermal and slope soaring. It also offers ease of maintenance and cost-effective operation, making it a practical choice for both amateur and professional aviators. The Fournier RF-4D is revered as a timeless example of innovation in the field of motor gliders, enabling solo aviators to achieve a harmonious blend of powered flight and pure gliding. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and collaborative spirit that defined mid-20th-century aircraft design.